Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-08-03

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Record in electricity consumption amid heatwave

[02] Tourism to Crete on rise

[01] Record in electricity consumption amid heatwave

Greece set a new record in electricity consumption on Tuesday, with demand totaling 9,510 MW shortly before 13.30 local time.

The countryās electricity grid was put to its strongest test so far after a series of technical problems in Public Power Corporationās power stations in Kardia and Megalopoli, with the latterās energy production cut to just 80 MW.

Increased demand was covered with energy imports from Italy and Greeceās northern neighbours (totaling 1,100 MW) and with electricity cutbacks in PPCās lignite mines and water pumping stations.

Demand for electicity reached 8,600 MW on Monday night, equaling the daily peak of August 2004 during the Olympic Games. This development shows that most Greek citizens slept with their air conditioning systems operating during the night.

Both the Development ministry and DEH public power corporation urged consumers to save energy during peak times (11.00-15.00 local time) and stressed that the situation would remain critical on Wednesday also.

[02] Tourism to Crete on rise

Markets like the US that had declined in terms of tourism to Crete had awoken, with US tourist arrivals doubling this year, Liaskos told reporters.

Charter flights to Iraklio, Crete rose by 7.9 pct in June and 14 percent in July. Arrivals at Hania airport increased by 5.5 percent in May, 7.0 percent in June and 3.5 pct in July, according to official data.

Also rising sharply were new markets that the ministry had targeted, including Russia, which had so far shown a 30%-50% increase, he added.

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